LOGIN(ARIELLE'S POV) They say graduation is a milestone. Personally, I think they just want an excuse to make six-year-olds wear polyester caps and parents panic over gift baskets. At least, that’s what I kept telling myself while burning my fingers on the tiny iron-on badge that said “Class of the Yea
The words barely left my lips before the tears did—slipping down my cheeks faster than I could stop them. Jared stood quickly, his hand reaching for my face. “Why are you crying?” I laughed—choked and shaky. “It’s nothing. Sorry. I didn’t mean to…” My fingers trembled as I tried to wave it off
(ARIELLE’S POV) The celebration downstairs had barely ended when the crowd began to surge. Voices surrounded me—some calling my name with admiration, others offering business cards, invitations, flattery. Reporters waved microphones; investors hinted at million-dollar offers. Somewhere, someone
He approached her side quietly. "You look comfortable being the brightest star in the room, Miss Meyers," he murmured. She rolled her eyes, amused. "Don’t start. I already got three reporters asking if I’m the future Mrs. Smith. What’s funny is—I could’ve just said yes. I mean, technically, I am M
(AUTHOR'S POV) Another year had passed. Jared wasn’t the only one who forgot everything quickly. The whole world did the same thing. Just over a year ago, Jared Smith was still the unshakable CEO of the Smith Group—a name that once carried weight in every financial headline and luxury gala invita
(JARED'S POV) In the days that followed, I no longer recognized anyone or anything. There was just a feeling of emptiness and numbness that hung deeply inside of me. But there was a particular pretty woman who always visited. I wake up to find her in my room most mornings, and most nights she sits
But I shook my head, already heading for the door. "No, thanks.” ******** The next morning, I was roused from sleep by the incessant ringing of my phone. Groaning, I leaned towards the table to retrieve it, regretting why I didn't put it in silence last night. Sleep instantly fled my eyes the ins
Dwayne seemed like he wanted to argue, but he let me be. "Okay, get some rest then." He patted my shoulder fondly, and I nodded, walking on. As I entered my room, the familiar relief of solitude washed over me, but it was short-lived. The moment I crossed the threshold and stepped closer to the bed
I rubbed my temples, fighting to keep my patience. "Sofia," I said, my voice low but cutting. "One last time: Get out, or I’ll have my people escort you out." Her face crumpled with fake hurt, but I wasn’t interested in her drama anymore. I was done. I stepped closer to Arielle. This was the first
When the crowd had thinned and most of the Langleys and their guests were scattered around the deck, some sightseeing, others making small talk, I made my move. Micheal was standing by the railing, his posture relaxed but his eyes alert, scanning the horizon. As I approached Micheal, Margaux was wa







